Planting guides

About these guides

These are general guides only. Planting times can vary within climatic zones and are affected by specific local conditions. If you experience variations to what is recommended, make a note for following years, download the printable version of the guides and add your note in the space provided. In general, seeds should be sown at the beginning to the middle of the planting season so they have time to establish. The end of the season is usually more suitable for planting seedlings.

About the Spring-Summer guide

Plant yourself a veritable feast of corn, squash, tomatoes and greens with follow-up sowings to spread your harvest throughout the warm season.

Things heat up early in tropical, subtropical and arid zones, so don’t delay when planting your warm season favourites. Be prepared to shade sensitive crops on hot days and, from mid-season onwards, focus on planting heat-lovers such as corn, okra, sweet potato and snake bean.

You can still grow cabbage and broccoli in warm and cool temperate areas, and it’s a great time for potato, tomato, basil and parsnip. With a little shade, you will extend your coriander harvest into summer.

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About the Autumn-Winter guide

It’s all about the pea, cabbage and onion families this season, and a speedy start to planning and planting will maximise your return.

In cold areas, sow seed early while the soil is still warm and be prepared to cover tender young plants if you are expecting early frost. Brussels sprouts and cauli·flower need a lengthy cool season so plant them by April in warm temperate and arid zones.

In the subtropics, there’s time for one last crop of corn and cucumber if you move quickly, and in the tropics, it’s almost anything goes so get in and make the most of it!

To-do list

liquid fertilise leafy vegetables fortnightly

protect frost-sensitive plants with cloches

make plans for doing bigger jobs in the cool

spray or net brassica to control grubs

plant bare-rooted deciduous fruit trees

sow hardy green manure crops in unused beds

re-pot perennial herbs with fresh potting mix

protect seedlings against snails and slugs

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